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Halsey Beemer Obituary
Halsey Lawrence Beemer JR.
Halsey Lawrence Beemer, Jr. passed away at the age of 83 on May 31, 2023, in Ashburn, VA, surrounded by his family. Born on August 19,1939 in Saigon, French Indochina, to Halsey Lawrence Beemer and Mary Louise Meyer Beemer, Halsey spent his life exploring the world, living in more than 16 different places, including, China, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, Austria, Taiwan, and the U.S. Halsey graduated from Colgate University in 1962 and was inspired by President Kennedy's call, joining one of the first classes of the Peace Corps. Halsey was assigned to the Philippines where he met and married his partner of 40 years, Jane Barlow, and together they spent 2 years in the Peace Corps. He did his advanced degree studies at Stanford University in Chinese history.
In 1975, he and Jane moved to Washington, DC and he went to work at the National Academy of Sciences until 1992 when he joined the World Bank. Halsey was predeceased by his wife, Jane, of 40 years who died in 2001. In 2004 he married Sandra Fritchman Erb. Together they lived in Bethesda, MD and Ashburn, VA. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, son Mark Lawrence Beemer (Sara Devitt, his fiancée), daughter Martha Allen Beemer Palan (Andy Palan), daughter Rachel Theresa Beemer, and granddaughters Jane Poppy Palan and Emma Syrentha Beemer who adored their grandfather. Other loved ones include brother Chris Beemer (Carol), sister Tess Beemer, brother Michael (of blessed memory), and Paul and Brian Erb. Halsey will be remembered for his incredible intellect, quick wit, insatiable curiosity, love of books, and lifelong passion for international experiences. He distinguished himself by the quality of his work, his dedication to equity in education, and his love for his family. A celebration of Halsey's life is scheduled for later this summer.
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Memories and Condolences
for Halsey Beemer
4 Entries
Kebur Azbaha
September 25, 2024
I am so sorry to hear about Halsey's passing. I worked with Halsey in Beijing, when the UK and Chinese governments and the World Bank were partnering on Basic Education policy between 2003-2006. I have fond memories of professionally engaging with Halsey. His deep knowledge of China and education policy was formidable - all to support human development and cooperation. And I have a lovely memory of visiting Washington DC in 2007, when Halsey took time to give me a tour of the Hill and Federal Triangle, and we enjoyed an excellent Ethiopian meal in Adams Morgan. He is sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Alex DeAngelis
June 17, 2024
I often think of Halsey. He was 83 when he passed. A long life as things go. But it still felt too soon. It always does when a friend whom we´ve known when we both were hound passes away and leaves us who are left behind feeling a bit more lonely. Condolences once more to Sandra, Mark, Martha and Rachel.
Alex
Nick Anderson
August 31, 2023
Sandra, I´m not sure whether this message will get to you but I just got through talking to George Plant and found out about Halsey. I am so sorry. I only briefly worked with him on the China environmental technical assistance project for which I was the task manager, and we had an educational component, all be it small , but it was dealing with environmental sciences at the university level in China. He was such a pleasure to work with and what a great sense of humor. all the best to you and hope that the good memories give you some solace, Nick Anderson.
Kathleen DEWAR
July 17, 2023
This obituary has brought back many memories of my four years working at NAS on the 'China Committee', starting as Halsey's secretary in 1982. I later joined the U.S. Foreign Service, and while posted in Beijing I saw him and Sandra a few times when they were there on World Bank business. It was my privilege to know such a warm and intelligent human being. - Kate (Donahue) Dewar
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